Tumor

Causes

In the normal pancreas, cells called islet cells produce hormones that regulate a variety of bodily functions, such as blood sugar level and the production of stomach acid.

Tumors that arise from islet cells of the pancreas can also produce a variety of hormones, though some do not.

Although islet cells produce many different hormones, most tumors release only one hormone that leads to specific symptoms. Pancreatic islet cell tumors can be noncancerous (benign) or cancerous (malignant).

Benign

"Benign" refers to a condition, tumor, or growth that isnot cancerous. This means that it does not spread to other parts of the body. It does not ...

MRI of abdomen

A blood sample may also be taken from a vein in the pancreas for testing.

Sometimes, surgery is needed to diagnose and treat this condition. During this procedure, the surgeon examines the pancreas by hand and with ultrasound.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the type of tumor and if it is cancerous.

Cancerous tumors can grow quickly, and spread to other organs. They may not be treatable. Tumors are usually removed with surgery, if possible.

If cancer cells spreadto the liver, a part of the liver may also be removed, if possible. If the cancer is widespread, chemotherapy may be used to try and shrink the tumors.

If the abnormal production of hormones is causing symptoms, you may receive medications to counteract their effects. For example, with gastrinomas, the overproduction of gastrin leads to too much acid in the stomach. Medications that block acid release can reduce symptoms.

Outlook (Prognosis)

You may be cured if the tumors are surgically removed before they have spread to other organs. If tumors are cancerous, chemotherapy may be used, but it usually cannot cure patients.

Life-threatening problems (such as very low blood sugar) can occur due to excess hormone production, or if the cancer spreads throughout the body.

Possible Complications

Diabetes

Hormone crises (if the tumor releases certain types of hormones)

Severe low blood sugar (from insulinomas)

Severe ulcers in the stomach and small intestine (from gastrinomas)

Spread of the tumor to the liver

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Call your health care provider if you develop symptoms of these tumors, especially if you have a family history of MEN I.

Endocrine glands - illustration

Endocrine glands release hormones (chemical messengers) into the bloodstream to be transported to various organs and tissues throughout the body. For instance, the pancreas secretes insulin, which allows the body to regulate levels of sugar in the blood. The thyroid gets instructions from the pituitary to secrete hormones which determine the pace of chemical activity in the body (the more hormone in the bloodstream, the faster the chemical activity; the less hormone, the slower the activity).

Endocrine glands

illustration

Pancreas - illustration

The pancreas is an elongated, tapered gland that is located behind the stomach and secretes digestive enzymes and the hormones insulin and glucagon.

Pancreas

illustration

Endocrine glands - illustration

Endocrine glands release hormones (chemical messengers) into the bloodstream to be transported to various organs and tissues throughout the body. For instance, the pancreas secretes insulin, which allows the body to regulate levels of sugar in the blood. The thyroid gets instructions from the pituitary to secrete hormones which determine the pace of chemical activity in the body (the more hormone in the bloodstream, the faster the chemical activity; the less hormone, the slower the activity).

Endocrine glands

illustration

Pancreas - illustration

The pancreas is an elongated, tapered gland that is located behind the stomach and secretes digestive enzymes and the hormones insulin and glucagon.